Dimensioning of LTE Network

Description of Models and Tool, Coverage and

Capacity Estimation of 3GPP Long Term Evolution
radio interface

Abdul Basit, Syed

Masters Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

Degree of Masters of Science in Technology

Espoo, February, 2009

Supervisor: Professor Riku Jäntti

Instructor: Paolo Zanier

-

DEDICATION

To

Prophet of Islam
MUHAMMAD
(Peace and blessings of God be upon him)
HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Abstract of the Master’s Thesis

Author: Abdul Basit, Syed

Name of Thesis: Dimensioning of LTE Network. Description of Models and Tools,
Coverage and Capacity Estimation of 3GPP Long Term Evolution
Date: 20.02.2009 Number of Pages: 71

Department: Department of Electrical and Communications Engineering

Professorship: S-72 Communications Laboratory

Supervisor: Professor Riku Jäntti

Instructor: Paolo Zanier

Long Term Evolution (LTE) is 3GPP enhancement to the current cellular system in use.
The purpose of developing this system is to keep 3GPP systems competent enough for
decades to come. LTE is designed to have wider channels up to 20MHz, with low latency
and packet optimized radio access technology. The peak data rate envisaged for LTE is
100 Mbps in downlink and 50 Mbps in the uplink. With OFDM as the radio access
technology, LTE has very promising features, like bandwidth scalability and both FDD
and TDD duplexing methods. This thesis is related to the dimensioning of LTE radio
access networks and the development of tool for dimensioning purpose.

Different steps of the dimensioning process are listed and explained. Methods and models
for coverage and capacity planning are developed for dimensioning of LTE radio access
networks. Special emphasis is laid on radio link budget along with detailed coverage and
capacity. The results are fabricated in an easy-to-use tool for dimensioning. The tool is
made in Excel to serve the ease of working.

Particular importance is given to clarity in the design of dimensioning tool, achieved by

dividing the tool into clearly defined sections. Inputs and outputs are placed on separate
sheets. The dimensioning tool calculates the number of cells needed to cover a given area
with the user-provided parameters. Excel based tool covers all the basic aspects of the
dimensioning process for LTE Access Networks.

Keywords: 3GPP, LTE, Dimensioning, Network Planning, Capacity, Traffic Models.

ii
 Table of Contents

Table of Contents.......................................................................................................... iii

Acknowledgments...........................................................................................................v

List of Abbreviations ......................................................................................................vi

List of Figures................................................................................................................ix

List of Tables .................................................................................................................ix

1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objectives and Approach ................................................................................................. 2
1.1.1 Methodology........................................................................................................................2
1.1.2 Dimensioning Tool.............................................................................................................4
1.2 Thesis Layout ..................................................................................................................... 4

2 Long Term Evolution of 3GPP (LTE) and Dimensioning......................................5

2.1 LTE Overview.................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Requirements for LTE...................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Multiple Access Techniques............................................................................................. 7
2.3.1 OFDMA for DL .................................................................................................................8
2.3.2 SC-FDMA for UL ............................................................................................................11
2.4 Bandwidth Scalability ...................................................................................................... 12
2.5 Network Architecture ..................................................................................................... 13
2.6 E-UTRAN Interfaces...................................................................................................... 15

3 Dimensioning of LTE Network............................................................................ 17

3.1 Wireless Cellular Network Dimensioning.................................................................... 17
3.2 LTE Access Network Dimensioning............................................................................ 21
3.2.1 Inputs of LTE Dimensioning .........................................................................................22
3.2.2 Outputs of LTE Dimensioning......................................................................................23
3.2.3 LTE Dimensioning Process............................................................................................23

4 Coverage Planning and Radio Link Budget.......................................................... 27

4.1 Radio Link Budget ........................................................................................................... 28
iii
 4.1.1 Other-to-own cell interference (i) ..................................................................................32
4.2 Required SINR ................................................................................................................. 33
4.2.1 Spectral Efficiency ............................................................................................................33
4.3 Interference....................................................................................................................... 36
4.4 Coverage-based Site Count ............................................................................................ 38

5 Capacity Planning ................................................................................................ 40

5.1 LTE Capacity Planning ................................................................................................... 40
5.2 Average Cell Throughput Calculations......................................................................... 41
5.3 Traffic demand estimation and Overbooking factor.................................................. 43
5.4 Capacity based site count................................................................................................ 44

6 Tool for LTE Dimensioning................................................................................. 45

6.1 Methodology and Structure............................................................................................ 45
6.2 Dimensioning inputs ....................................................................................................... 46
6.3 Tables and background data........................................................................................... 48
6.4 Radio link budget ............................................................................................................. 50
6.5 Capacity Evaluator........................................................................................................... 52
6.6 Dimensioning Output ..................................................................................................... 53

7 Conclusion and Future Work................................................................................ 56

7.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 56
7.2 Future Work ..................................................................................................................... 57

8 References ............................................................................................................ 58

iv
 Acknowledgments

This Master’s thesis was completed at Nokia Oyj during the period of June 2006 – January 2007.

I am deeply indebted to Dr. David Soldani and Paolo Zanier, who has been my instructors for
this work. I am grateful for their cooperation, encouragement and invaluable guidance
throughout the thesis. I must extend my gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Riku Jäntti for
being always so supportive and cooperative.

I am deeply and forever obliged to my family for their love, support and encouragement
throughout my entire life.

I am thankful to all my colleagues at Nokia for extending their technical support and advice
during the work, especially Murad Keskinege, Flavio Parodi, Mikko Kylvaya, Paolo Zanier, Jose
Alonso-Rubio and Michael Abromowski.

At the end, my sincere thanks go to my friends and seniors at HUT for their help and
motivation.

Syed, Abdul Basit

Espoo, February 2009

v
 List of Abbreviations

2G 2nd Generations
3G 3rd Generations
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
ACK Acknowledgment
aGW Access Gateway
ARIB Association of Radio Industries and Businesses
ATIS Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions
ANSI American National Standards Institute
BCCH Broadcast Control Channel.
BW Bandwidth
CAPEX Capital expenses
CCPCH Common Control Physical Channel
CCSA China Communications Standards Association
CDF Cumulative Distribution Function
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
CN Core Network
CP Cyclic Prefix
CQI Channel Quality Indicator
DL Downlink
DSCH Downlink Shared Channel
DVB-H Digital Video Broadcast - Handhelds
E-UTRAN Enhanced – UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network
eNB Enhanced Node B
EPC Evolved Packet Core
eSFN Enhanced System Frame Number
ETSI European Telecommunications Standard Institute
FDD Frequency Division Duplex
FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
GSM Global System for Mobile
GPRS General Packet Radio System

vi
GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node
HSDPA High Speed Downlink Packet Access
HSPA High Speed Packet Access
HSUPA High Speed Uplink Packet Access
HS-DSCH High Speed Downlink Shared Channel
HS-PDSCH High Speed Physical Downlink Shared Channel
HS-SCCH High Speed Shared Control Channel
IP Internet Protocol
IETF Internet Engineering Task Force
L1 Layer 1
L2 Layer 2
LB Long Block
LTE Long Term Evolution
MAC Medium Access Control
MBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service
Mbps Megabits per second
MCS Modulation Coding Scheme
MME Mobility Management Entity
MSC Mobile Switching Centre
NFFT Number of Samples of FFT
OBF Overbooking Factor
OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access
OPEX Operating Expenses
PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel
PCRF Policy and Charging Rules Function
PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel
PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol
PDF Probability Distribution Function
PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel
PHY Physical Layer
PS Packet Switched
PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

vii
PDSCCH Physical Downlink Shared Control Channel
PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel
PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel
QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
QoS Quality of Service
QPSK Quadrature Phase Shift keying
RAN Radio Access Network
RB Resource Block
RLB Radio Link Budget
RLC Radio Link Control
RNC Radio Network Controller
RRC Radio Resource Control
SAE System Architecture Evolution
SB Short Block
SFN System Frame Number
SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node
SINR Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio
SISO Single Input Single Output
SNR Signal to Noise Ratio
SC-FDMA Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiple Access
SCTP Stream Control Transmission Protocol
TDD Time Division Duplex
TE Terminal Equipment
TTA Telecommunications Technology Association
TTC Telecommunication Technology Committee
TTI Transmission Time Interval
UE User Equipment
UL Uplink
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
UPE User Plane Entity
UTRAN UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network
U-plane User Plane
WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

viii
 List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Flow chart of Project Work ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
Figure 2-1: OFDM Symbol Time Structure [11] ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Table 2-1: Physical Layer parameters [11] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Figure 2-2: Downlink frame structure for frames with short cyclic prefix [11] -------------------------------------10
Figure 2-3: Downlink frame structure for frames with long cyclic prefix [11] --------------------------------------11
Figure 2-4: UL Frame Structure for LTE [11]---------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Table 2-2: UL Physical Layer Parameters [11] -------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Figure 2-5: E-UTRAN Architecture [4]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Figure 2-6: E-UTRAN Interfaces [4]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
Figure 3-1: General wireless cellular network planning process -----------------------------------------------------18
Figure 3-2: General radio link budget of a wireless cellular network [31] ------------------------------------------20
Figure 3-3: LTE network dimensioning -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------24
Figure 4-1: LTE spectral efficiency as function of G-factor (in dB) including curves for best Shannon fit [21] 35
Figure 4-2: CDF for G-factors of an LTE system (with different scenarios)[21] -----------------------------------36
Table 4-1: load versus Interference margin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
Figure 4-3: load versus Interference margin ----------------------------------------------------------------------------38
Figure 4-4: Three different types of sites (Omni-directional, bi-sector, tri-sector) ---------------------------------38
Table 5-1: DL average cell throughput for LTE -------------------------------------------------------------------------42
Figure 6-1: Dimensioning tool: Capacity Inputs ------------------------------------------------------------------------47
Figure 6- 2: Dimensioning tool: Coverage Inputs -----------------------------------------------------------------------48
Figure 6- 3: Dimensioning tool: Traffic models -------------------------------------------------------------------------49
Figure 6-4: Dimensioning tool: Capacity evaluator --------------------------------------------------------------------51
Figure 6-5: Dimensioning tool: Capacity evaluator --------------------------------------------------------------------52
Figure 6-6: Dimensioning tool: Forecast---------------------------------------------------------------------------------53
Figure 6-7: Dimensioning tool: Outputs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------55

List of Tables

Table 2-1: Physical Layer parameters [11].......................................................................................................... 9

Table 2-2: UL Physical Layer Parameters [11] ................................................................................................. 12

Table 4-1: load versus Interference margin........................................................................................................ 37

Table 5-1: DL average cell throughput for LTE ................................................................................................. 42

ix
 1 Introduction

Telecommunication industry is experiencing the emergence of a number of competing and

enhancing technologies, including, WiMAX, HSPA, DVB-H. With the user requirements on the
ever increasing side cellular networks are facing greater than ever competition from other
technologies. HSPA (High speed packet access) and MBMS (multimedia broadcast and
multicast service) has enhanced the 3G networks by bringing important capabilities, but these
improvements are still not enough to match broadcasting technologies (such as DVB-H) or
broadband wireless access (like WiMAX) for delivering modern services, e.g. mobile TV,
internet access and other important services[1]. Therefore, 3G networks need a major overhaul
to remain competitive in the future.

In order to stay competitive in the long run, 3GPP (Third generation partnership project) has
initiated activity on the long term evolution of UTRAN (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
Network), which is eyeing clearly beyond to what the WCDMA can do with HSDPA or High
Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA). 3GPP’s answer to this demanding situation is 3G LTE
(Long term evolution) or Super 3G, which could dramatically boost the capabilities of 3G
networks and make it par with the other technologies [2].

1
LTE is a system with larger bandwidths (up to 20 MHz), low latency and Packet optimized radio
access technology having peak data rates of 100 Mbps in downlink and 50 Mbps in the uplink
[3,4]. Radio access technology for LTE is OFDM (Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing)
which provides higher spectral efficiency and more robustness against mulitpath and fading, as
compared to CDMA (Code division multiple access). In order to offer the operators increased
flexibility in network deployment, the LTE system supports bandwidth scalability and both
FDD and TDD duplexing methods. The system also supports both unicast and multicast traffic
– in cell sizes from local area or micro cells (hundreds of meters) up to large macro cells (>10
km in radius) [4,5]. 3GPP is looking for market introduction of LTE around 2012.

1.1 Objectives and Approach

This work describes the dimensioning process of 3GPP LTE access network, its models,
methods and the tool developed to dimension the network.
The main objectives are listed below:

• Introduction of LTE features relevant for the dimensioning

• Definition of the basic models for Access Network Dimensioning
• Coverage Estimation
• Network Element Count Estimation
• Capacity Evaluation
• Development and description of dimensioning tool

The paragraphs below clarify the basic approach pursued to achieve the above mentioned
objectives, the development of the tool and the factors needed to realize the target.

1.1.1 Methodology
LTE is a new technology, largely in the state of standardization. This means that it is very
difficult to find the references and previous works on this subject. Mostly, 3GPP
standardization documents and drafts have to be relied up on.

2
 Start

Preliminary study about LTE

Problem specific study and

Review of the related works

Theoretical Understanding
(Input/Output specification, etc)

Basic Dimensioning Tool started

Work on LTE Dimensioning

and Tool

Coverage Planning (Radio Link

Budget, Number of sites needed
based on Capacity)

Capacity Evaluation

Review:
Is the work complete?
NO

YES

Proceed with documentation

End

Figure 1-1: Flow chart of Project Work

The above flow chart shows the methodology followed during this project. The work started
with the preliminary study of the LTE. This included 3GPP as well as the Nokia documents.
This is followed by shifting the focus on the project and study of the material related to the

3
project, especially, dimensioning. Preliminary work on the dimensioning tool is then started,
along with the theoretical work on the radio link budget, and capacity planning. After
integration of the results in the dimensioning tool, the work is reviewed and iterations are
performed till the desired results are reached.

1.1.2 Dimensioning Tool

Excel is chosen for the implementation of the dimensioning tool over the MATLAB. The major
reason behind this choice is the simplicity and the universal availability of Excel-based software
[6, 7]. The basic ideology behind the tool is to make it as user friendly as possible. This is
achieved by clearly separating different functional parts of the tool into separate sheets in the
tool. Inputs and outputs are placed on distinct sheets, with all the data on separate sheets.
Inspiration for this split is to clearly distinguish the working part and the user part. Users of the
dimensioning tool only have to deal with the input sheet. User can enter all the inputs in one
place and can then go directly to the output sheet to view the results. This is very different from
the previous excel-based dimensioning tools for other technologies. Most of those tools fail to
clearly distinguish the inputs and it need a lot of time before the user become acquainted with
them. The excel-based dimensioning tool developed during this work caters all these
shortcomings.

1.2 Thesis Layout

Thesis report consists of seven chapters. Chapter 1 introduces basic methodology, objectives
and approach for this work. Chapter 2 deals with the necessary background. This includes basics
of LTE technology and its features related to network dimensioning. Chapter 3 explains the
dimensioning fundamentals and features of LTE related to the dimensioning process. Chapter 4
presents LTE coverage Planning. This chapter covers the Radio Link Budget and the related
methods and factors with the text explaining the method to calculate the number of sites based
on the coverage. Chapter 5 describes the capacity planning for LTE Network elaborating the
methods used and factors impacting the capacity planning process. Cell throughput calculation,
traffic demand estimation and capacity based site count estimation are derived in this chapter.
Chapter 6 relates to the dimensioning tool. It explains the structure and functionalities of the
software and discusses a use case. Chapter 7 concludes the thesis with summary of the entire
project and possibilities of future research.

4
2 Long Term Evolution of 3GPP (LTE)
and Dimensioning

Although HSDPA and HSUPA have enough capability to remain competitive for many years to
come, in order to ensure that the 3GPP communication systems will continue to be
competitive, Long Term Evolution of 3GPP access network is undergoing standardization
(System Architecture Evolution, SAE, refers to the corresponding core network activity). The
basic objectives of LTE framework is to build up a system that meets demands for high data
rate, low latency and optimization for packet-domain traffic. LTE system will be designed to
have a peak data rate of 100 Mbps in DL and up to 50 Mbps in the UL. The following text
describes the basic features of LTE system: the requirements put forth, multiple access
techniques to be used, bandwidth scalability, network architecture and channel functions and
structure.

5
This chapter deals with targets set forth for LTE, its features especially those related to the
dimensioning of the network. The later part of the chapter discusses the dimensioning exercise,
description of the inputs and outputs and different steps carried in order to dimension the
network.

2.1 LTE Overview

3GPP started working on evolution of 3G Mobile Systems in November 2004. The occasion
was the RAN Evolution Work Shop in Toronto, Canada. This work shop was open for all the
interested organizations, members and non members of 3GPP [8]. This led to the participation
of more than 40 contributions from all fields of Mobile business. This involved operators,
manufacturers and research institutes giving their views on the evolution of Universal Terrestrial
Radio Access Network (UTRAN) [9].
A set of high level requirements was identified in the Work Shop to further improve service
provisioning and reduce user and operator costs. Talking more explicitly, main objectives and
targets of LTE development can be stated as follows:

• Increase in system capacity and reduced cost per bit, as well as utilization of existing 2G and
3G spectrum along with the new spectrum.
• Achieving of notably higher data rates weighed against the existing 3G systems, with goal of
100Mbps in uplink and over 50Mbps in downlink.
• Greater coverage by providing higher data rates over wider areas and flexibility of use of
existing and new frequency bands
• Attaining higher system capacity up to three times the capacity of current systems and
increased service provisioning – more services at lower cost with better user experience.

2.2 Requirements for LTE

LTE system is expected to be competitive for many years to come, therefore, the requirements
and targets set forth for this system are quite stringent. The main objectives of the evolution are

6
to further improve service provisioning and reduce user/operator costs. More specifically, some
key requirements and capability targets for the long-term evolution are [10]:

• Low latency : for both user plane and control plane, with a 5MHz spectrum allocation the
latency target is below 5 ms
• Bandwidth Scalability : different bandwidths can be used depending upon the requirements
(1.25 to 20 MHz)
• Peak Data Rates : 100 Mbps for DL , 50 Mbps for UL
• 2 to 3 times capacity over existing Release 6 scenarios with HSUPA
• 2 to 4 times capacity over existing Release 6 scenarios with HSDPA
• Only Packet Switched Domain support
• Improved Cell edge performance
• Inter-working with the existing 2G and 3G systems and non-3GPP systems
• Optimized for low mobile speed but also support high mobile speeds
• Reduction of complexity in both system and terminals
• Ease of migration from existing networks
• Simplification and minimization of the number of interfaces

A key requirement for LTE is to make possible a seamless transition from current
telecommunication systems. This can be made possible by reuse of the current spectrums,
interoperability between current and upcoming system, reuse of existing sites and production
competitively priced equipment. It gives the operators the ability to migrate to new systems with
ease. But this requires adoption of simplified system architecture, stringent limits on spectrum
and usage of a new radio-access technology with better characteristics.

2.3 Multiple Access Techniques

The requirements discussed in section 2.2 above were used to determine the choice of air
interface technology [11]. According to the study conducted, keeping in mind all the spectrum

7
requirements, data rates and performance, it was concluded that the multiple access technology
used would be orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) in DL.

For the UL, selection was made in the favor of single-carrier-based frequency division multiple
access (FDMA) solution with dynamic bandwidth. The basic motivation for this approach was
to reduce power consumption of the user terminal. The basic parameters .e.g. sub-frames and
TTI were matched with those of the DL.

2.3.1 OFDMA for DL

In DL, the chosen transmission scheme is OFDM with Cyclic Prefix (CP), mainly due to
simplicity of the receiver (for a comprehensive discussion of OFDM and OFDMA, See [12] and
[13]. OFDM yields a frequency structure that divides the data over a number of sub-carriers.
The spacing between two sub-carriers is fixed at 15 kHz. A resource block (smallest unit in time
and frequency) is defined to consist of 12 sub-carriers in frequency and 14 continuous symbols
in time. The makes one resource block to span 180 kHz and 1ms in frequency and time
respectively. This sub-frame is also the minimum transmission time interval (TTI). This choice
of short TTI helps to achieve the requirements of low latency. In fact, although OFDM exhibits
a higher peak-to-average-power-ratio, this is not considered to be a major problem on the
network side.

Flexibility in channel bandwidth is provided by allowing six different bandwidth options for
operators to choose from. Allowed channel bandwidths include 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz.
As mentioned above sub-carrier spacing is fixed for all the possible bandwidths at 15 KHz.
Corresponding to the sub-carrier spacing of 15 KHz, symbol time is 1/Tb = 66.68 µs. To avoid
ISI, a Guard Interval is inserted between two consecutive symbols. The Guard Interval is then
filled with the CP. This means that a copy of fixed number of last samples is appended to the
start of the symbol. The structure of one full OFDM Symbol is shown in figure 2-1.

8
 Figure 2-1: OFDM Symbol Time Structure [11]

As the spacing of sub-carriers is fixed, the transmission bandwidth is varied by changing the
number of sub-carriers. Each sub-frame consists of 6 or 7 OFDM symbols, depending upon
the size of CP. DL Physical layer parameters are summarized in the table below.

Table 2-1: Physical Layer parameters [11]

Transmission BW 1.25 MHz 2.5 MHz 5 MHz 10 MHz 15 MHz 20 MHz
Sub-frame duration 0.5 ms
Sub-carrier spacing 15 kHz
Sampling frequency 1.92 MHz 3.84 MHz 7.68 MHz 15.36 23.04 30.72
(1/2 x (2 x 3.84 MHz MHz MHz
3.84 MHz) MHz) (4x3.84 (6 x 3.84 (8 x 3.84
MHz) MHz) MHz)
FFT size 128 256 512 1024 1536 2048
Number of occupied 76 151 301 601 901 1201
sub-carriers
Number of OFDM
symbols per sub- 7/6
frame
(Short/Long CP)

DL Frame Structure of LTE is depicted in the figures 2-2 and 2-3 on next page. This frame
structure is for DSCH for both short and long CP. One radio frame consists of sub-frames
carrying PDSCH, PDSCCH and PBCH. PDSCH and PDSCCH are present in every sub-frame.
PBCH is only present in those sub-frames that are scheduled for the System Information.
System Frame Number (SFN) is used as the frame time reference and the LTE SFN (eSFN) as

9
the sub-frame time reference for all physical channels, for downlink and indirectly for the
uplink. For details of Pilot structure, Modulation Schemes used, multi-antenna techniques, See
[4] and [11].

The radio frame consists of Tf = 307200 x Ts =10ms long and consists of 20 slots of length
Tslot = 15360 × Ts = 0.5 ms , numbered from 0 to 19. A subframe is defined as two consecutive slots

where sub-frame i consists of slots 2i and 2i+1 [29]. For FDD, 10 subframes are available for
downlink transmission and 10 subframes are available for uplink transmissions in each 10 ms
interval. Uplink and downlink transmissions are separated in the frequency domain. For TDD, a
subframe is either allocated to downlink or uplink transmission. Subframe 0 and subframe 5 are
always allocated for downlink transmission. In other words, each frame consists of 20
subframes with pilot symbols and synchronization channel multiplexed into each subframe.
Synchronization channel is transmitted in the last OFDM symbol of every fourth sub-frame and
pilot symbols and training sequences are multiplexed into each sub-frame. To complete the
OFDM process, cyclic prefix preceding every OFDM symbol (DL) and SC-FDMA symbol
block (UL) [11]. Downlink frame structures for both short and long cyclic prefixes are shown in
figures 2-2 and 2-3.

One radio frame, Tf = 10 ms

Sub-Frame #0 Sub-Frame #1 Sub-Frame #i Sub-Frame #19

SynCH
PDSCCH
PDSCH

AllocTable Data Data Data

Data Data Data
Sysinfo

Sub-Frame, Tsf = 0.5 ms

PBCH

Figure 2-2: Downlink frame structure for frames with short cyclic prefix [11]

10
 One radio frame, Tf = 10 ms

Sub-Frame #0 Sub-Frame #1 Sub-Frame #i Sub-Frame #19

PDSCCH SynCH
PDSCH
Data
AllocTable Data Data Data Data
Sysinfo

Sub-Frame, Tsf = 0.5 ms

PBCH

Figure 2-3: Downlink frame structure for frames with long cyclic prefix [11]

2.3.2 SC-FDMA for UL

Single carrier transmission with CP is used for UL. CP is used to achieve UL inter-user
orthogonality and to enable efficient equalization in frequency domain on the receiver side [11].
The basic sub-frame structure for the UL is shown in figure 2-4. This structure uses two short
blocks (SB) and six long blocks (LB) in each subframe. Short block is used for either for
coherent demodulation or for control and data transmission or for both of these purposes. On
the other hand, long blocks are used for control and/or data transmission. Both localized and
distributed transmission uses the same subframe, while data can include either of both of
scheduled and contention based data transmission.

1 sub-frame = 0.5 msec

SB SB
CP LB#1 CP CP LB #2 CP LB #3 CP LB #4 CP LB #5 CP CP LB#6
#1 #2

Figure 2-4: UL Frame Structure for LTE [11]

Table 2 shows values for different spectrum allocations for UL physical layer parameters.
Minimum TTI for UL is fixed at the duration equivalent to UL subframe duration. TTI can be a
semi-static or dynamic transport channel attribute. Semi-static TTI provides with a fixed length
TTI with TTI length being adjusted through higher layer signalling. Conversely, as the name
suggests, dynamic TTI can be varied. This variation or the number of sub-frames concatenated

11
can be done through initial transmission. Currently, it is assumed that Node-B would control
the TTI. This area is still open to further investigation [4, 11].

The same UL subframe format is used for both localised and distributed FDMA cases. In 10-
MHz transmission bandwidth, six long blocks comprise of 512/1024 symbols/samples per
block, while short blocks (two or three in number) comprise of 256/512 symbols/samples per a
block. Short blocks can carry pilot and/or data in 10MHz transmission bandwidth. UL Physical
Layer Parameters are summarized in table 2 below.

Table 2-2: UL Physical Layer Parameters [11]

“Transmission Sub-frame Long block size Short block size
bandwidth” duration (ms) µs/samples)
(µ µs/samples)
(µ
(MHz)

20 0.5 66.67/2048 33.33/1024

15 0.5 66.67/1536 33.33/768

10 0.5 66.67/1024 33.33/512

5 0.5 66.67/512 33.33/256

2.5 0.5 66.67/256 33.33/128

1.25 0.5 66.67/128 33.33/64

2.4 Bandwidth Scalability

LTE system operates on the conventional 2 GHz band, as well as the extended 2.6 GHz and
the 900 MHz bands. As discussed above, in order to provide flexible utilisation of the
bandwidth, different carrier bandwidths are possible, ranging from 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz (more
specifically: 1.25 MHz, 2.5 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz and 20 MHz). The sub-carrier
spacing remains the same for all the above options at 15 KHz, it’s the number of sub carriers
that changes (see Table 1).

12
2.5 Network Architecture
LTE architecture is characterised by three special requirements: support for PS domain only,
low latency and reduced cost. To achieve the above objectives and to overcome the
complexities of the previous network architectures, LTE must be designed to contain fewer
network nodes. This is important because smaller number of network nodes reduces overall
amount of protocol-related processing, cost of testing and number of interfaces. It also
translates into ease of optimizing radio interface protocols. It can be done by merging some
control protocols and using shorter signaling sequences resulting into rapid session setups. LTE
uses two-node architecture. Figure 2-5 on the next page gives an overview of the E-UTRAN
architecture where yellow-shaded boxes depict the logical nodes, white boxes depict the
functional entities of the C-plane, and blue boxes depict the functional entities of the U-plane.
Detailed discussion of these boxes is out of scope of this document.

eNB

Inter Cell RRM

Connection
Mobility Cont.

RB Control

Radio
Admission
Control

eNB
Measurement
Configuration &
Provision aGW Control Plane

Dynamic SAE Bearer

Resource Control
Allocation
(Scheduler)
MM Entity

RRC
aGW User Plane

RLC

MAC PDCP

S1
PHY User Plane internet

Figure 2-5: E-UTRAN Architecture [4]

13
The E-UTRAN consists of:
• eNB (Enhanced Node B)
• aGW (access Gateway)

eNB is the basic access network element covering a single cell or installed on one site. It
provides the E-UTRA user plane (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocol
terminations towards the UE [25]. Two eNBs are connected with each other through X2
interface. LTE is designed to give eNBs a greater degree of intelligence to reduce the overhead.
As a result, functions for Radio Resource Management are provided by eNB. This includes
Radio Bearer Control, Radio Admission Control, Connection Mobility Control, Dynamic
allocation of resources to UEs in both uplink and downlink. eNB is involved in security services
by encryption of user data stream and routing of user plane data towards serving gateway.
Moreover, it also carries out scheduling and transmission of paging messages and BCCH
information.

aGW is one level above eNB. A aGW can be connected to one or more eNBs depending upon
the network design. aGW performs many different function, together with paging origination,
ciphering of user plane data and SAE bearer control. aGW is functionally divided into two
parts, MME (Mobility Management Entity) and UPE (User Plane Entity). MME is the control
plane part of aGW. Its functionalities include management and storage of temporary user IDs,
Termination of U-plane packets for paging reasons and management and NAS security. On the
other hand, UPE is responsible for tasks related to user plane. It is accountable for Packet
routing and forwarding, allocation of local IP address for mobility, charging for roaming and
anchoring for inter eNB mobility, charging of paging messages to eNBs and inter-3GPP access
Mobility.

14
2.6 E-UTRAN Interfaces
One of the objectives of EUTRAN is to simplify and reduce the number of interfaces between
different network elements. Interfaces between different network elements are S1 (eNodeB-
aGW) and X2 (inter ENodeB) as shown in figure 2-6.

S1 is the interface between eNB and UPE. This interface can be subdivided into two parts [14]:
• C-plane: S1-C is the interface between eNB and MME function in EPC
• U-plane: S1-U is the interface between eNB and UPE function in EPC

MME/UPE MME/UPE
EPC
S1

X2
E-UTRAN
eNB eNB
X2
X2

eNB

Figure 2-6: E-UTRAN Interfaces [4]

From the S1 perspective, the EUTRAN access point is an eNB and the EPC access point is
either the control plane MME node or the user plane SAE gateway logical node. S1 access point
shall independently fulfill the requirements of the relevant S1 specifications. S1 interface
supports many functions which include initial context setup, UE context management and
mobility functions. Initial context setup function supports the establishment of overall initial
UE context plus SAE bearer context, security context, roaming restriction, UE capability
information, etc. in the eNB to enable idle-to-Active transition. S1 interface also establishes and
releases the UE contexts in eNB and in EPC to support user signaling. Moreover, S1 also

15
provide mobility functions for handover. This can be intra-LTE handover or inter-3GPP
handover (with a system other than LTE) [14].

X2 interface allows the interconnection between eNBs. X2 has the status of an open interface.
It supports the signal information exchange between two eNBs, along with the forwarding of
PDUs to their destination. In terms of logical point of view, X2 is a point-to-point interface
within E-UTRAN. Therefore, it is possible to create an X2 interface between two eNBs even if
there is no physical and direct connection between them [15].

X2 facilitates the interconnection between eNBs of different vendors and offers a continuation
of the services offered via S1 interface for a seamless network. In addition, it makes possible the
introduction of new future technologies by clearly separating radio network and transport
network functionalities.

With significant improvements in the radio interface and other components, enabling a lower
data access cost per megabyte, as well as several potentially important new services, 3G Long-
Term Evolution (LTE) will bring substantial technological improvements. These efforts are
expected to deliver economic benefits to operators, and therefore provide a decisive advantage
over alternative wireless technologies, keeping the mobile cellular systems competitive during
the next decade.

16
 3 Dimensioning of LTE Network

Dimensioning is the initial phase of network planning. It provides the first estimate of the
network element count as well as the capacity of those elements. The purpose of dimensioning
is to estimate the required number of radio base stations needed to support a specified traffic
load in an area [26].

3.1 Wireless Cellular Network Dimensioning

Dimensioning provides the first, quick assessment of the probable wireless network
configuration [17]. Dimensioning is a part of the whole planning process, which also includes,
detailed planning and optimization of the wireless cellular network. As a whole, planning is an
iterative process covering design, synthesis and realization. The aim of this whole exercise is to
provide a method to design the wireless cellular network such that it meets the requirements set
forth by the customers. This process can be modified to fit the needs of any wireless cellular
network. This is a very important process in network deployment.

17
 Figure 3-1: General wireless cellular network planning process

Figure 3-1 shows the wireless cellular network planning exercise and the position of
dimensioning in the whole process. Dimensioning exercise gives an estimate which is then used
for detailed planning of the network. Once the network is completely planned, network
parameters are optimized maximising the efficiency of the system.

Dimensioning is based on a set of input parameters and the provided results are relevant for
that set of input parameters only. These parameters include area under consideration, expected
traffic and required QoS [17]. Dimensioning provides the evaluation of the requirements for
network infrastructure. This is done with the help of dimensioning tool for both access and core
networks. Dimensioning uses relatively simpler models for modeling of the actual conditions as
compared to the detailed planning. Simpler models and methods reduce the time required for
dimensioning. On the other hand, dimensioning tool should be accurate enough to provide
results with an acceptable level of accuracy, when loaded with expected traffic profile and
subscriber base.

Wireless cellular network dimensioning is directly related to the quality and effectiveness of the
network, and can deeply affect its development. Wireless cellular network dimensioning follows
these basic steps:

• Data/Traffic Analysis
• Coverage estimation
• Capacity evaluation
• Transport dimensioning

18
A proper set of inputs is vital for dimensioning to yield accurate results. Wireless cellular
dimensioning requires some fundamental data elements. These parameters include subscriber
population, traffic distribution, geographical area to be covered, frequency band, allocated
bandwidth, and coverage and capacity requirements. Propagation models according to the area
and frequency band should be selected and modified (if needed). This is necessary for coverage
estimation.

System specific parameters like, transmit power of the antennas, their gains, estimate of system
losses, type of antenna system used etc, must be known prior to the start of wireless cellular
network dimensioning. Each wireless network has its own set of parameters.

Traffic analysis gives an estimate of the traffic to be carried by the system. Different types of
traffic that will be carried by the network are modeled. Traffic types may include voice calls,
VOIP, PS or CS traffic. Overheads carried by each type of traffic are calculated and included in
the model. Time and amount of traffic is also forecasted to evaluate the performance of the
network and to determine whether the network can fulfill the requirements set forth.

Coverage estimation is used to determine the coverage area of each base station. Coverage
estimation calculates the area where base station can be heard by the users (receivers). It gives
the maximum area that can be covered by a base station. But it is not necessary that an
acceptable connection (e.g. a voice call) between the base station and receiver can be established
in coverage area. However, base station can be detected by the receiver in coverage area.

Coverage planning includes radio link budget and coverage analysis. RLB computes the power
received by the user (receiver) given a specific transmitted power (from the transmitter or base
station). RLB comprises of all the gains and losses in the path of signal from transmitter to the
receiver. This includes transmitter and receiver gains as well as losses and the effect of the
wireless medium between them. Free space propagation loss, fast fading and slow fading is
taken into account. Additionally, parameters that are particular to some systems are also
considered. Frequency hopping and antenna diversity margins are two examples.

19
 Figure 3-2: General radio link budget of a wireless cellular network [31]

Figure 3-2 shows a typical example of a radio link budget. Transmitting antenna radiates the
power in the direction of the receiving antenna. The amount of power aimed at the receiving
antenna depends upon the directivity of the transmitting antenna and the path loss encountered
due to propagation environment. In figure 3-2, both free space path loss (with blue coloured
lines) and indoor path loss (with pink coloured lines) are shown. Noise from different sources
also contributes to signal degradation by raising the noise floor, as shown in the figure. After
adding and subtracting all the gains and losses, actual power received is calculated. Blue line in
the last column of figure 3-2 gives the received power for outdoor free space environment,
while green line provides the received power indoors. The value of 17dB is the difference
between the received signal and noise in the system for indoor environment. This signal to noise
ratio is the performance indicator of the wireless system. Higher the SNR, higher will be the
data rate achieved and vice versa.

Based on the calculation of RLB, maximum allowed propagation loss is obtained. Maximum
allowed propagation loss gives the attenuation of the signal as it travels from transmitted to the
receiver. Path loss is converted into distance by using appropriate propagation models. This is

20
the distance from the base station where the transmitter signals can be received by the users
(receiver). This distance or the radius of the cell is used to calculate the number of sites required
to cover the whole area with respect to coverage estimation.

Capacity planning deals with the ability of the network to provide services to the users with a
desired level of quality. After the site coverage area is calculated using coverage estimation,
capacity related issues are analysed. This involves selection of site and system configuration, e.g.
channels used, channel elements and sectors. These elements are different for each system.
Configuration is selected such that it fulfills the traffic requirements. In some wireless cellular
systems, coverage and capacity are interrelated, e.g. in WCDMA. In this case, data pertaining to
user distribution and forecast of subscriber’s growth is of utmost importance. Dimensioning
team must consider these values as they have direct impact on coverage and capacity. Capacity
evaluation gives an estimate of the number of sites required to carry the anticipated traffic over
the coverage area [30].

Once the number of sites according to the traffic forecast is determined, the interfaces of the
network are dimensioned. Number of interfaces can vary from a few in some systems to many
in others. The objective of this step is to perform the allocation of traffic in such a way that no
bottle neck is created in the wireless network. All the quality of service requirements are to be
met and cost has to be minimised. Good interface dimensioning is very important for smooth
performance of the network.

3.2 LTE Access Network Dimensioning

The target of the LTE access network dimensioning is to estimate the required site density and
site configurations for the area of interest. Initial LTE access network planning activities include
radio link budget and coverage analysis, cell capacity estimation, estimation of the amount of
eNode B and access gateways (MME/UPE) and hardware configuration, and finally, equipment
at different interfaces. This section focuses on the issues related to LTE dimensioning.

21
3.2.1 Inputs of LTE Dimensioning
One of the basic objectives of this work is to clearly differentiate between LTE dimensioning
inputs and outputs. This section discusses all the LTE dimensioning inputs used in the
development of methods and models for LTE dimensioning. LTE dimension inputs can be
broadly divided into three categories; quality, coverage and capacity-related inputs.

Quality-related inputs include average cell throughput and blocking probability. These
parameters are the customer requirements to provide a certain level of service to its users. These
inputs directly translate into QoS parameters. Besides cell edge performance criterion is used in
the dimensioning tool to determine the cell radius and thus the site count. Three methods are
employed to determine the cell edge. These include user defined maximum throughput at the
cell edge, maximum coverage with respect to lowest MCS (giving the minimum possible site
count) and predefined cell radius. With a predefined cell radius, parameters can be varied to
check the data rate achieved at this cell size. This option gives the flexibility to optimize
transmitted power and determining a suitable data rate corresponding to this power.

LTE dimensioning inputs for coverage planning exercise are similar to the corresponding inputs
for 3G UMTS networks. Radio link budget (RLB) is of central importance to coverage
planning in LTE. RLB inputs include transmitter power, transmitter and receiver antenna
systems, number of antennas used, conventional system gains and losses, Cell loading and
propagation models. LTE can operate in both the conventional frequency bands of 900 and
1800 MHz as well as extended band of 2600 MHz. Models for all the three possible frequency
bands are incorporated in this work. Additionally, channel types (Pedestrian, Vehicular) and
geographical information is needed to start the coverage dimensioning exercise. Geographical
input information consists of area type information (Urban, Rural, etc) and size of each area
type to be covered. Furthermore, required coverage probability plays a vital role in
determination of cell radius. Even a minor change in coverage probability causes a large
variation in cell radius.

Capacity planning inputs provides the requirements, to be met by LTE network dimensioning
exercise. Capacity planning inputs gives the number of subscribers in the system, their
demanded services and subscriber usage level. Available spectrum and channel bandwidth used

22
by the LTE system are also very important for LTE capacity planning. Traffic analysis and data
rate to support available services (Speech, Data) are used to determine the number of
subscribers supported by a single cell and eventually the cell radius based on capacity evaluation.
LTE system level simulation results and LTE link level simulation results are used to carry out
capacity planning exercise along with other inputs. These results are obtained from Nokia’s
internal sources. Subscriber growth forecast is used in this work to predict the growth and cost
of the network in years to come. This is a marketing specific input targeting the feasibility of the
network over a longer period of time. Forecast data will be provided by the LTE operators.

3.2.2 Outputs of LTE Dimensioning

Outputs or targets of LTE dimensioning process have already been discussed indirectly in the
previous section. Outputs of the dimensioning phase are used to estimate the feasibility and cost
of the network. These outputs are further used in detailed network planning and can be utilized
for future work on LTE core network planning. Dimensioned LTE network can help out LTE
core network team to plan a suitable network design and to determine the number of backhaul
links required in the starting phase of the network [26].

Cell size is the main output of LTE dimensioning exercise. Two values of cell radii are obtained,
one from coverage evaluation and second from capacity evaluation. The smaller of the two
numbers is taken as the final output. Cell radius is then used to determine the number of sites.
Assuming a hexagonal cell shape, number of sites can be calculated by using simple geometry.
This procedure is explained in section 3.4. Capacities of eNBs are obtained from capacity
evaluation, along with the number of subscribers supported by each cell. Interface dimensioning
is the last step in LTE access network dimensioning, which is out of scope of this thesis work.
The reason is that that LTE interfaces (S1 and X2) were still undergoing standardisation at the
time of this work.

3.2.3 LTE Dimensioning Process

LTE Dimensioning process starts with the Radio Link Budget Calculations, used to determine
the maximum path loss. The result of this step depends upon the propagation models used. The

23
estimated cell size, obtained in this step, leads to the maximum allowed size of the cells. This
parameter is used to calculate the number of cells in the area of interest. Thus, a rough estimate
of the required number of eNBs is obtained.

Capacity calculations follow the above process for coverage estimation. If the coverage
estimates for the given configuration, fulfils the capacity requirements, then there is no addition
to the previous plan. On the other hand, suitable number of cell sites is added to achieve the
capacity targets. If the highest expected traffic is used, then it can lead to an unnecessarily high
number of sites.

Assessment of eNB capacity comes next, which completes the dimensioning process. In this
thesis work, focus is on Radio Link Budget, cell capacity estimates and tools and case studies for
LTE dimensioning. Figure 3-3 depicts LTE dimensioning exercise in detail.

Figure 3-3: LTE network dimensioning

24
LTE Dimensioning process includes the following steps [18, 19. 20]:

Step 1: Data and Traffic Analysis

This is the first step in LTE dimensioning. It involves gathering of required inputs and their
analysis to prepare them for use in LTE dimensioning process. Operator data and requirements
are analysed to determine the best system configuration. One other possibility is to stick with a
group of configurations and carry out dimensioning for each of them to determine the most
suitable choice. For example, this may involve choosing two or three different channel
bandwidths for analysis. Essential inputs needed for this step are explained in section 3.2.1.

Step 2: Traffic Analysis

Traffic demand is analyzed to get the best possible network configuration with minimum
supplies. In this thesis, three types of traffic are considered for LTE. They are; VoIP, streaming
and browsing. Overhead due to higher layers is taken into account while calculating net bit rate
for these traffic types. Peak hour traffic is used instead of average values. In the same way,
demand for different services should also be considered.

Step 3: Coverage Planning

Coverage analysis fundamentally remains the most critical step in the design of LTE network as
with 3G systems. RLB is at the heart of coverage planning, which allows the testing of path loss
model and the required peak data rates against the target coverage levels. The result is the
effective cell range to work out the coverage-limited site count. This requires the selection of
appropriate propagation model to calculate path loss. LTE RLB is explained in chapter 4. With
the knowledge of cell size estimates and of the area to be covered, an estimate of the total
number of sites is found. This estimate is based on coverage requirements and needs to be
verified for the capacity requirements.

25
Step 4: Capacity Planning
With a rough estimate of the cell size and site count, verification of coverage analysis is carried
out for the required capacity. It is verified whether with the given site density, the system can
carry the specified load or new sites have to be added. In LTE, the main indicator of capacity is
SINR distribution in the cell. This distribution is obtained by carrying out system level
simulations. SINR distribution can be directly mapped into system capacity (data rate). LTE cell
capacity is impacted by several factors, for example, packet scheduler implementation,
supported MCSs, antenna configurations and interference levels. Therefore, many sets of
simulation results are required for comprehensive analysis. Capacity based site count is then
compared with the coverage result and greater of the two numbers is selected as the final site
count, as already mentioned in the previous section.

Step 5: Transport Dimensioning

Transport dimensioning deals with the dimensioning of interfaces between different network
elements. In LTE, S1 (between eNB and aGW) and X2 (between two eNBs) are the two
interfaces to be dimensioned. These interfaces were still in the process of being standardised at
the time of this work. Therefore, transport dimensioning is not included in this thesis work.

An initial sketch of LTE network is obtained by following the above mentioned steps of
dimensioning exercise. This initial assessment forms the basis of detailed planning phase. In this
thesis, main emphasis is on steps two to four. First step is unnecessary because the data for the
test cases is taken from a WiMAX scenario, allowing its bypass. Coverage and Capacity planning
is dealt in detail and resulting site count is calculated to give an estimate of the dimensioned
LTE network. Dimensioning of LTE will depend on the operator strategy and business case.
The physical side of the task means to find the best possible solution of the network which
meets operator requirements and expectations.

26
 4 Coverage Planning and Radio Link
Budget

Coverage Planning is the first step in the process of dimensioning. It gives an estimatie of the
resources needed to provide service in the deployment area with the given system parameters,
without any capacity concern. Therefore, it gives an assessment of the resources needed to
cover the area under consideration, so that the transmitters and receivers can listen to each
other. In other words, there are no QoS concerns involved in this process. Coverage planning
consists of evaluation of DL and UL radio link budgets. The maximum path loss is calculated
based on the required SINR level at the receiver, taking into account the extent of the
interference caused by traffic. The minimum of the maximum path losses in UL and DL
directions is converted into cell radius, by using a propagation model appropriate to the
deployment area. Radio Link Budget is the most prominent component of coverage planning
exercise.

This chapter covers LTE Coverage Planning. Radio Link Budget is explained followed by the
methods used for calculation of required SINR, effect of interference and finally the calculation
of the number of sites based on the coverage.

27
 4.1 Radio Link Budget
Radio Link Budget (RLB) is calculated in order to estimate the allowed path loss. Transmission
powers, antenna gains, system losses, diversity gains, fading margins, etc. are taken into account
in a RLB. RLB gives the maximum allowed path loss, from which cell size is calculated using a
suitable propagation model.

For LTE, the basic RLB equation can be written as follows (in units of dB):

PathLosdB = TxPowerdB + TxGainsdB − TxLossesdB − Re quiredSINRdB + RxGainsdB − RxLossesdB − RxNoisedB (1)

Where,
Path Loss = Total path loss encountered by the signal from transmitter to
receiver (W)
TxPowerdB = Power transmitted by the transmitter antenna (dBm)
TxGainsdB = Gain of transmitter antenna (dB)
TxLossesdB = Transmitter losses (dB)
RequiredSINRdB = Minimum required SINR for the signal to be received at
the receiver with the required quality or strength (dB)
RxGainsdB = Gain of receiver antenna (dB)
RxLossesdB = Receiver losses (dB)
RxNoisedB = Receiver Noise (dBm)

Equation 1 is shown in units of decibel for the sake of clarity. However, all the derivation will
be done with terms in absolute units. Equation 1 can be written in absolute terms as follows:

TxPower • TxGains • RxGains

PathLoss =
TxLosses • Re quiredSINR • RxLosses • RxNoise (2)

Where,
Path Loss = Total path loss encountered by the signal from transmitter to receiver
(W)
TxPower = Power transmitted by the transmitter antenna (W)
TxGains = Gain of transmitter antenna

28
 TxLosses = Transmitter losses (W)
RequiredSINR = Minimum required SINR for the signal to be received at the
receiver with the required quality or strength
RxGains = Gain of receiver antenna
RxLosses = Receiver losses (W)
RxNoise = Receiver Noise (W)

In LTE, the basic performance indicator is ‘Required SINR’. Maximum allowed path loss is
calculated according to the condition:

SINR ≥ RequiredSINR

 AveRxPower AveRxPower (3)
SINR = Interference + RxNoise = OwnCellInterference + OtherCellInterference + RxNoise


Where,
SINR = Signal to interference and noise ratio
AveRxPower = Average received power (W)
Interference = Interference power (W)
OwnCellInterference = Power due to own cell interference (W)
OtherCellInterference = Power received for neighboring cells (W)

In downlink, assuming the maximum available transmission power is equally divided over the
cell bandwidth, the average received power (AveRxPowerDL) in the bandwidth allocated to the
user is derived as follows:

AveTxPower MaxNodeBTxPower AllocatedBandwidth

AveRxPowerDL = = ⋅ (4)
LinkLossDL CellBandwidth LinkLossDL

Where,
SINR = Signal to interference and noise ratio
AveTxPower = Average transmitted power (W)
LinkLossDL = Total link loss in downlink (W)
MaxNodeBTxPower = Maximum Power transmitted from NodeB (W)
CellBandwidth = Allocated bandwidth of LTE network cell (MHz)

29
 AllocatedBandwidth = Bandwidth of channel over which the signal is transmitted
(MHz)

The MaxNodeBTxPower in LTE depends on the cell bandwidth, which can range from 1.25 to 20
MHz [1]. Specifically, MaxNodeTxPower is 20 Watt (43 dBm) up to 5 MHz and 40 Watt (46
dBm) above this limit [22].

In uplink, assuming no power control, the average received power (AveRxPowerUL) is:

MaxUETxPower (5)
AveRxPowerUL =
LinkLossUL

Where,
MaxUETxPower= Max transmission power of user equipment (W)
LinkLossUL = Total link loss in uplink (W)

The MaxUETxPower can be either 0.125 W or 0.25 W (21 or 24 dBm) [22]. The LinklossUL
includes the distance-dependent Pathloss and all other gains and losses at the transmitter and the
receiver. The gains include antenna gains and amplification gains (e.g. Mast Head Amplifier
(MHA) in the UL direction). The above gain does not need to be considered explicitly, in case
antenna configuration is taken into account in link level simulations (i.e., the effect is included in
the RequiredSINR value). The losses include body loss at the terminal side, cable losses and Mast
Head Amplifier noise figure at the eNodeB and finally some margins (OtherLosses) needed to
take into account shadow fading and indoor penetration loss. Therefore, link loss (LinkLoss)
can be written as:

RxGains ⋅ TxGains (6)

Linkloss =
Pathloss ⋅ RxLosses ⋅ TxLosses ⋅ OtherLosses

Where,
OtherLosses= Includes all losses not covered by the mentioned RLB terms (W)

30
The received noise power (RxNoise) in Watts:

RxNoise = ThermalNoise ⋅ ReceiverNoiseFigure

(7)
= (ThermalNoiseDensity ⋅ AllocatedBandwidth) ⋅ ReceiverNoiseFigure

Where,
ThermalNoise = Thermal Noise (W)
ReceiverNoiseFigure = Receiver Noise Figure
Thermal Noise Density = -174 dBm

In the DL direction, due to the OFDM access technology and assuming the appropriate length
of cyclic prefix, we can assume there’s no own cell interference (OwnCellInterference is zero).
OtherCellInterference is the total average power received from other cells in the allocated
bandwidth. Similarly, in the UL direction the Interference (also called Noise Rise) is the power
received from terminals transmitting on the same frequency in the neighbouring cells
(OtherCellInterference).

Above set of equations lay the basis for calculation of RLB equation for maximum allowed path
loss. Here, we give the results.

AveTxPwr (own)
AveRxPwr (own) AveRxPwr (own) LinkLoss (own) (8)
SINR = = =
I+N I other + N AveTxPwr (k )
∑
k ≠ own LinkLoss ( k )
+N

Putting the values of the parameters in the equation and manipulating, we get the following
form for SINR.

1
LinkLoss (own)
SINR = (9)
1 CellBW
∑
k ≠ own LinkLoss ( k )
+
MaxTxPwr
⋅ ThermalNoiseDensity ⋅ RxNoiseFigure

31
Now, the requirement is:

SINR ≥ Re quiredSINR (10)

Putting the values from the previous equation, we get the following form for the Path Loss:

1
PathLoss (own) ≤ (11)
 1 
 ∑ + NoiseComponent  ⋅ RequiredSINR
 k ≠ own PathLoss (k ) 

4.1.1 Other-to-own cell interference (i)

To include the effect of interference, we will introduce Other-to-own cell interference for DL
(i).
PathLoss (own)
i= ∑
k ≠ own PathLoss ( k )
(12)

Introducing this other-to-own cell interference in the equation above, we get:

1
≤ Re quiredSINR (13)
i + NoiseComponent ⋅ PathLoss (own)

Thus, we get:

1 − iMaxPathLoss ⋅ Re quiredSINR
MaxPathLoss = (14)
NoiseComponent ⋅ Re quiredSINR

The above equation gives the maximum path loss for LTE. It is important to note that all the
conventional RLB components are in the Noise Component. Noise component is in fact the
inverse of the conventional path loss.

32
 4.2 Required SINR
Required SINR is the main performance indicator for LTE. Cell edge is defined according to
the Required SINR for a given cell throughput. Therefore, the accurate knowledge of Required
SINR is central to the authenticity of the RLB and thus the process of dimensioning. Required
SINR depends up on the following factors:
• Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS)
• Propagation Channel Model

Higher the MCS used, higher the required SINR and vice versa. This means that using QPSK ½
will have a lower required SINR than 16-QAM ½.

Required SINR can be estimated by two different methods.

• By using the ‘Throughput vs. average SNR’ tables. These tables are obtained as an output of
link level simulations. For each type of propagation channel models and different antenna
configurations, different tables are needed. One important thing to note here is that noise is
modelled as AWGN noise; therefore, SNR is used instead of SINR.
• By using the Alpha-Shannon formula [22]. Alpha-Shannon formula provides an
approximation of the link level results. Thus, in this case, no actual simulations are needed,
but factors used in Alpha-Shannon formula are needed for different scenarios.

4.2.1 Spectral Efficiency

In case the cell edge is defined by the input required throughput, the corresponding spectral
efficiency has to be derived. The spectral efficiency is derived under the following assumptions:
• The layer 2 protocol overhead (MAC and RLC) is negligible [23]
• Link level simulation do not take into account the L1 overhead due to control channels
(pilot and allocation table)

Given the required cell throughput at cell border Cell Edge Throughput, the L1 throughput is
calculated as follows:

33
 CellEdgeThroughput (15)
Layer1Throughput =
OverheadFactor

Where

DataSymbolperSubFrame
OverheadFactor = (16)
TotalSymbilperSubFrame

The OverheadFactor values for DL and UL are respectively 5/7 and 4/7 [11], assuming short
cyclic prefix.

Thus, the spectral efficiency is:

Layer1Throughput (17)
SpectralEfficiency =
CellBandwidth

Spectral efficiency is then used to find out the Required SINR using Alpha-Shannon formula.
Shannon capacity formula for maximum channel efficiency as a function of SNR can be written
as:

 SNR
 (18)
SpectralEfficiency = α • log 2 1 + 10 10 
 

This maximum capacity cannot be obtained in LTE due to the following factors [3]
• Limited coding block length
• Frequency selective fading across the transmission bandwidth
• Non-avoidable system overhead
• Implementation margins ( channel estimation, CQI)

34
Thus, in order to fit the Shannon formula to LTE link performance two elements are
introduced
• “bandwidth efficiency factor” α
• “SNR efficiency factor”, denominated ImpFactor

The modified Alpha-Shannon Formula can be written as:

 SNR


SpectralEfficiency = α • log 2 1 + 10 10 •ImpFactor 
  (19)
 

Note that ‘α’ also depends on the antenna configuration. The formula is valid between the
limits specified by a minimum and a maximum value of spectral efficiency. The figure below
shows how the Shannon-Alpha formula is used to approximate the envelope of the spectral
efficiency vs. SNR curve in case of SISO (1 transmission and 1 reception antenna) and AWGN.
Two values of α and ImpFactor are considered.

Figure 4-1: LTE spectral efficiency as function of G-factor (in dB) including curves for best Shannon fit
[21]

To map these results to system level performance, we need to consider the G-factor
distribution, PDF(G), over the cell area. Assuming uniform user distribution, the obtained
G-factors for the LTE capacity evaluation are plotted in Figure 4-1. The distributions are

35
 obtained by deploying Macro Cell and Micro Cell hexagonal cellular layouts according to
[11]. The probability density function of G is obtained from Figure 4-2. It is assumed that all
users have equal session times (e.g. infinite buffer assumption) [21].

Figure 4-2: CDF for G-factors of an LTE system (with different scenarios)[21]

4.3 Interference
In order to evaluate the other-cell interference, a simple network model in which the load is
equally distributed among cells is assumed. The overall effect of interference can be
estimated the following factors
• A term that takes into account the loss in G due to the handover margin
(CellOverlapMargin). The G-factor distribution is defined as the average own cell power
to the other-cell power plus noise ratio. In fact, a handover margin is needed for
avoiding ping-pong effect. As a consequence, the serving cell is not necessary the one
that is received with the strongest signal.
• A gain due to interference control mechanisms (e.g. Soft Frequency Reuse or Smart
Frequency Domain Packet Scheduler), denominated IntControlGain.

36
For the uplink, the issue of interference is dealt as follows. The uplink other cell interference
margin (OtherCellInterferenceUL in the maximum uplink pathloss equation) was studied by
means of system level simulations, using a network scenario with 19 three-sector sites, i.e., in
total 57 cells. The sites were positioned on a regular hexagonal grid. Inter-site distanced of
1732 m with penetration loss of 20 dB and UE power class of 21 dBm was used.
Interference coordination was not used in this simulation. Simulations were carried out with
three different values of system load. Allocated bandwidth per user equals to 312.5 kHz.
• Slow power control was used in this simulation.
• Target for power control was set in such a way that it provides a good trade-off between
the cell edge throughput and average cell throughput
The interference margin was calculated using the following expression

InterferenceMargin = SNR / SINR (20)

Figure 4-3 shows the obtained interference margin as a function of load. The interference
margin is observed from 5% point of CDF. The table instead, shows the list of Interference
Margin Values obtained using linear interpolation.

Table 4-1: load versus Interference margin

Load (%) Interference Margin (dB)
35 1
40 1.3
50 1.8
60 2.4
70 2.9
80 3.3
90 3.7
100 4.2

37
 ISD=1732 m, PLoss=20 dB, BW=312.5, 21 dBm
4.5

3.5

Interference margin (dB)

3

2.5

1.5

0.5
0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
load (-)

Figure 4-3: load versus Interference margin

4.4 Coverage-based Site Count

The maximum allowed path loss can be used to calculate the cell radius (CellRadius) by using
a propagation model. COST231 model is use to compute the path loss for cell radius. This
model is normally used for carrier frequencies between 1500 and 2000 MHz. The same
COST231 model can be used for carrier frequency of 2600 MHz, since we assume that the
loss due to the higher frequency is compensated by the increase in the antenna gain. For the
900 MHz deployment option, the Hata model can be used instead. Other propagation
models can be included as well, for instance, UMTS models [18]. Given the cell radius, the
cell coverage area (that we assume to be hexagonal) depends on the site configuration.

CellRadius

Figure 4-4: Three different types of sites (Omni-directional, bi-sector, tri-sector)

For three hexagonal cell models, site areas can be calculated as follows.
Omni-directional site SiteArea = 2.6 * CellRadius2 (22)

38
 Bi-sector site SiteArea = 1.3*2.6 * CellRadius2 (23)

Tri-sector site SiteArea = 1.95 * 2.6 * CellRadius2 (24)

The number of sites to be deployed can be easily calculated from the CellArea and the input
value of the deployment area (DeploymentArea).

DeploymentArea
NumSitesCoverage = (25)
SiteArea

39
 5 Capacity Planning

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the capacity planning for the LTE network and to
explain the methods used and factors impacting the capacity planning process. The chapter
is divided into several sections. The first section describes the cell throughput calculations,
while the second part is about traffic demand estimation. Later sections shed light on
capacity based site count evaluation.

5.1 LTE Capacity Planning

Capacity planning gives an estimate of the resources needed for supporting a specified
offered traffic with a certain level of QoS (e.g. throughput or blocking probability).
Theoretical capacity of the network is limited by the number of eNodeB’s installed in the
network. Cell capacity in LTE is impacted by several factors, which includes interference
level, packet scheduler implementation and supported modulation and coding schemes.
Link Budget (Coverage Planning) gives the maximum allowed path loss and the maximum
range of the cell, whereas coverage Planning takes into account the interference by

40
 providing a suitable model. LTE also exhibits soft capacity like its predecessor 3G systems.
Therefore, the increase in interference and noise by increasing the number of users will
decrease the cell coverage forcing the cell radius to become smaller.

In LTE, the main indicator of capacity is SINR distribution in the cell. In this study, for the
sake of simplicity, LTE access network is assumed to be limited in coverage by UL direction
and capacity by DL.

The evaluation of capacity needs the following two tasks to be completed:

• Being able to estimate the cell throughput corresponding to the settings used to derive
the cell radius
• Analysing the traffic inputs provided by the operator to derive the traffic demand, which
include the amount of subscribers, the traffic mix and data about the geographical
spread of subscribers in the deployment area

5.2 Average Cell Throughput Calculations

The target of capacity planning exercise is to get an estimate of the site count based on the
capacity requirements. Capacity requirements are set forth by the network operators based
on their predicted traffic. Average cell throughput is needed to calculate the capacity-based
site count.

The most accurate evaluation of cell capacity (throughput under certain constraints) is given
by running simulations. Since, the dimensioning is usually done using an excel workbook,
the best solution to derive cell throughput is direct mapping of SINR distribution obtained
from a simulator into MCS (thus, bit rate) or directly into throughput using appropriate link
level results.
Thus, capacity estimation requires the following simulation results
• Average SINR distribution table (system level result), which provides the
SINRprobability
• Average throughput or spectral efficiency versus average SINR table (link level
result)

41
Among other factors, different propagation environments (propagation models, inter-site
distance) and antenna configurations have an impact on the above results. Thus, multiple
tables should be available for example for urban, suburban and rural areas. SINR probability
is obtained by calculating the probability of occurrence of a given SINR value at cell edge.
All these system level simulations are run with a predefined inter-site distance. In this
method, the bit rates for each MCS are derived from the OFDM parameters for LTE. Then
the SINR values to support each MCS are derived from look-up tables that are generated
from link level simulations.

Subsequently, MCS supported by each value of SINR is selected by using the minimum
allowed SINR from the link level results. This gives the corresponding data rate that is
supported by that MCS. In this way, data rate corresponding to each SINR value is obtained
for a specific scenario. For urban channel model and a fixed inter-site distance of 1732m,
downlink throughput for LTE is shown in table 5-1.

Table 5-1: DL average cell throughput for LTE

MCS SINR(min) (dB) DL cell throughput
(Mbps)
QPSK 1/3 -0.75 4.00
QPSK 1/2 1.50 6.00

QPSK 2/3 3.50 8.00

16QAM 1/2 7.00 12.00

16QAM 2/3 9.50 16.01

16QAM 4/5 11.50 19.20

64QAM 1/2 11.50 21.0

64QAM 2/3 14.7 24.01

Let us consider an example regarding table 5-1 (Urban/1732m inter-site distance). For an
SINR value of 2dB, QPSK ½ is selected from the above table, and it gives a throughput of
6Mbps at 2dB. In the same way, an SINR value of 3dB corresponds to 6Mbps, 4dB to
8Mbps and 7dB to 12Mbps in DL. Once all the values are calculated by using the lookup
table, cell throughput is derived as follows:

42
CellThroughput = ∑ (SINR_Occurrence_Probability ⋅ AverageThroughputSINR )
allSINRvalues
(26)

Where,
SINR_Occurrence_probabaility = Probability of occurrence of a specific SINR
value at cell edge obtained using simulations
AveThroughputSINR = Average throughput corresponding to SINR value

5.3 Traffic demand estimation and Overbooking factor

Since the given bandwidth can only deliver a certain amount of capacity, then the traffic
demand needs to be understood. The complex part is the analysis of the peak hours of
different subscriber types and traffic profiles. The required result is the overbooking factor
that describes the level of multiplexing or number of users sharing a given channel or
capacity.
The main inputs are listed below:
• Traffic mix and busy hour analysis
• Subscriber Density
• Data Volume per User
• Peak and Average Data Rate
• Daily Traffic Profiles

As coverage planning, also capacity planning is done separately for different service areas
(urban, suburban and rural).
If we use requirements corresponding to the peak hour traffic, then it would lead to over-
dimensioning. Precious resources will be wasted in other hours of the day and network cost
will go significantly higher. For this reason it is important to define the overbooking factor
(OBF), OBF is the average number of users that can share a given unit of channel. The
channel unit used in dimensioning is the peak data rate. If we assume a 100 percent channel
loading, then the OBF is simply equal to the ratio between the peak and the average rates
(PAR).

43
 However, it is not safe to dimension the network with 100 percent loading. Hence, the
parameter utilisation factor is introduced. In most of data networks, the utilisation factor is
less than 85 percent in order to guarantee Quality of Service (QoS). So the higher this
parameter, the longer will be the average waiting time for users accessing the channel. Thus,
the overbooking factor is derived as follows:

OverbookingFactor = PeakToAverageRatio.UtilisationFactor (27)

5.4 Capacity based site count

With the knowledge of traffic demand estimation and the factors involved in it, Overall data
rate required can be calculated. Based on the overbooking factor described above, the total data
rate for the capacity calculation is:

OverallDataRate = NumberOfUsers.PeakDataRate.OverbookingFactor (28)

The number of sites necessary to support the above calculated total traffic is simply

OverallDataRate
NumSitesCapacity = (29)
SiteCapacity

Where the SiteCapacity is a multiple of the Cell Throughput, which depends on the number of
cells per site (Not considering any hardware limitation)

As already done for the coverage evaluation, the site count is performed for each type of service
area. Capacity based site count is usually higher than the coverage based counterpart in a fully
functional network. In real networks, this number is smaller in the earlier years of network
operation, when the number of users is quite less. But as the demand increases and more users
are added to the service, the capacity based site count takes the lead and smaller cells are
required. The larger of the two counts is used as a final number as a dimensioning output.

44
 6 Tool for LTE Dimensioning

LTE dimensioning tool is excel-based software developed to carry out dimensioning of LTE
networks. This chapter explains different parts of this tool including its structure and contents.
This chapter also discusses how does this excel-based tool works, its advantages and limitations.

6.1 Methodology and Structure

The dimensioning tool is designed to carry out both coverage and capacity calculations for the
dimensioning of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network. It performs the required
calculations, providing the site count on the basis of traffic forecast as the final result.

Excel is chosen over MATLAB as the implementation software for the dimensioning tool.
Excel is a spreadsheet application with special features for performing calculations and
providing a wide variety of graphics, making it one of the most popular and widely used PC
applications [24]. The basic motive for preferring Excel is its ease of use and unproblematic
accessibility. The critical idea during the design and development of this software is to make it
as simple and intelligible as possible. This goal is primarily achieved by having an unambiguous

45
distinction between different functional parts. Inputs and outputs are clearly notable. All the
inputs are available on a single sheet of excel tool with main outputs placed on the last sheet.

The intermediate calculations and detailed formulas are placed on separate sheets. As a result, a
user can use the tool without going into details of implementation. Ideally, user is required to
look only at the input and output sheets. User can enter all the inputs on one sheet and can then
directly go to the output sheet to view the detailed results.

The workbook (Excel-based dimensioning tool) is structured so that there is a clear separation
between planning inputs, system inputs (e.g. link and system level results), working section and
results. It consists of eight sheets.
• Inputs
• Tables
• Radio Link Budget (RLB)
• Capacity Evaluator
• Traffic Forecast
• Dimensioning Output
• Version and history of change

6.2 Dimensioning inputs

‘Input sheet’ lists all the required inputs for dimensioning process of LTE networks. Inputs are
grouped into three clusters.
• System inputs
• Coverage planning inputs
• Capacity planning inputs
Input sheet is an important part of the structure of the dimensioning tool. It collects all the
possible inputs in one place. This is quite a different approach when compared to other
available dimensioning tools for other systems. In other dimensioning software, it is always a
difficult process to collect all the inputs in one place. User has to switch from one part to
another to change the input parameters. This is time consuming as well as difficult to use. The

46
purpose of having clearly separated inputs is to allow users to change dimensioning inputs from
one place.

To make a clear distinction between inputs, coverage and capacity related inputs are arranged
into two columns. System inputs are placed on the top of the coverage inputs as they are
directly used by the coverage evaluator. This allows the user to control the output of coverage
and capacity evaluators independent of each other.

System inputs include carrier frequency, channel bandwidth and area of deployment. Coverage
related inputs available in the dimensioning tool are RLB inputs and propagation model. Along
with these inputs general RLB parameters, like antenna transmitter powers, system gains and
losses, etc are also present. Capacity related inputs are traffic forecast for each type of traffic,
utilization factor and subscriber geographical spread. Subscriber geographical spread gives the
percentage of population to be covered by the network in each type of deployment area. There
are three types of deployment areas considered; city/urban, suburban and rural. These inputs
are vendor-specific. screen shots of ‘input sheet’ are shown in figures 6-1 and 6.2.

Figure 6-1: Dimensioning tool: Capacity Inputs

47
 Figure 6- 2: Dimensioning tool: Coverage Inputs

6.3 Tables and background data

All the required information to carry out the coverage and capacity calculations is positioned on
‘Tables’ sheet. This sheet contains all the data needed for number crunching. Sheet is partitioned
into different parts.

First part contains the tables for adaptive modulation coding schemes. It lists all the allowed
modulation schemes like, QPSK, 16QAM and allowed coding rates for these schemes in LTE
networks. The most important section of this part is Shannon-Alpha tables. Shannon-Alpha
formula is used for coverage estimation. Tables for four different antenna configurations are
available (See section 4.2.1).

48
Second part carries details of different antenna configuration, channel models used and system
parameters. System parameters are operating frequency and channel bandwidth. Third section
details the maximum available data rates for different modulation and coding schemes. These
tables are used to calculate the data rate supported by one eNB in capacity planning. This
procedure is explained in chapter 5.

Fourth section holds the link level simulation results. This table gives the minimum required
SINR for each modulation and coding scheme e.g. for QPSK ½. Currently, dimensioning tool
has the data for two combinations of channel model and antenna configuration. Fifth section
features system level results from simulator. These are SINR distribution tables for different
environments. These tables are presented in the form of the graph in figure 4-2.

Figure 6- 3: Dimensioning tool: Traffic models

49
6.4 Radio link budget
Radio link budget calculations deal with the coverage estimation of LTE network. RLB is
evaluated with respect to different criteria. All the factors effecting RLB are listed in the sheet
with DL and UL budgets calculated side by side. Figure 6-4 is the snapshot of radio link budget
sheet.

One of the main features of this dimensioning tool is the facility to calculate RLB using three
different methods. The detailed theory behind radio link budget is already elucidated in chapter
4. User of the software can adopt anyone of these methods, depending upon the analysis
strategy.

Maximum coverage is the primary criteria, which is usually used for RLB. LTE is a packet
optimized network. All the traffic is carried in form of data packets. Therefore, using a
modulation scheme will affect the amount of data carried by the network. For example, using a
MCS of 16QAM 4/5 instead of QPSK ½ will allow a better utilisation of the network and
higher data rate. But 16QAM 4/5 can only be used in favourable channel condition. Otherwise
error rate will be high enough to cancel the advantage of using a better MCS. In maximum
coverage criteria, it is assumed that lowest MCS is used. Lowest MCS corresponds to the lowest
data rate. Use of lowest MCS allows the estimation of farthest reach of eNB. In this way, an
estimate of maximum possible cell radius is obtained.

A second criterion available for RLB is ‘fixed inter-site distance’. For this criterion, user is
allowed to fix the inter-site distance. With a fixed inter-site distance, RLB is calculated in reverse
to find out the allowed MCS for a given channel model and thus the maximum available data
rate of the cell. The data rate obtained in this process is the theoretical maximum and it will be
higher than the achievable data rate.

To provide the user with full freedom, a third criterion of ‘User defined target data rate’ is also
available. In this RLB criterion, user can set the desired or target data rate that should be
provided by a cell. RLB calculations are then carried out to find out the MCS needed to support
this data rate. This MCS is then used to compute the allowed cell radius. Therefore, this

50
criterion is the converse of ‘fixed inter-site distance’ criterion. These three criteria make this
software a very versatile and powerful LTE dimensioning tool.

UL DL

Transmitter

System
Parameters

Thermal Noise

DL Interference

Required SINR

Supported DL MCS

Channel Effects

Maximum allowed
Path Loss and Cell
Radius

Figure 6-4: Dimensioning tool: Capacity evaluator

51
6.5 Capacity Evaluator
Capacity evaluator sheet calculates maximum cell throughput for a specific Cell Range. Thus, it
provides the capacity of a single eNB in LTE access network. Calculation of maximum cell
throughput is based on SINR distribution tables which are obtained from system level
simulations of LTE network. A simple approach of direct SINR-MCS mapping is used to
calculate the cell throughput. SINR distribution tables from system level simulations are placed
in ‘tables’ sheet. Minimum required SINR for each MCS is calculated. Data rate that can be
achieved, using a specific MCS is known by using system parameters. Detailed capacity
evaluation method is explained in section 5.2.

• If (SNR<Lowest_SNR_for_MCS)
• Then: Data Rate = 0;
• else
Data Rate = Table (SNR, DL Rate corresponding to MCS)

Data Rate for

each MCS
SINR
corresponding
Distribution
to SINR

Throughput
SINR corresponding
to each SINR

DL
Throughput

Figure 6-5: Dimensioning tool: Capacity evaluator

52
6.6 Dimensioning Output
This sheet contains the detailed outputs, which are calculated by using the data from previous
sheets. This sheet displays the final dimensioning results. A screen shot of ‘output’ sheet is given
below. As shown in the figure 6-6, each column corresponds to one year, mentioning the results
calculated on the basis of current year data and forecast provided by the customer. Rows are
bunched together in different groups.
• Population statistics
• Number of subscribers
• Area to be covered by the network
• Subscriber geographical spread
• Cell Throughput
• Capacity-based site count
• Final site-count

Units Forecast Years

Traffic
Model

Conversion

Total Data to be
Data to be carried for
carried
each traffic type

Figure 6-6: Dimensioning tool: Forecast

Population statistics enlists the total population and number of persons in a households
expected to use the service. Number of subscribers is calculated according to the criteria that

53
there is one customer per household. This number is simply obtained by dividing the total
population by number of persons in a household.

TotalPopul ation
NumberOfHo useholds = (30)
NumberOfPe rsonsInHou sehold

Actual number of subscribers using the service is always lower than the total number of
households. Therefore, actual subscriber count is estimated next. Penetration for different
mobile services is used to evaluate the real number of subscribers. This figure is provided by the
operator itself. Geographical area to be covered and area types are provided next, followed by
the subscriber spread in each of different area types. For the delivered version of dimensioning
tool, values of 20%, 30% and 50% are assumed for urban, suburban and rural areas respectively.

Traffic models and traffic forecast is used to compute the total traffic that has to be carried by
the whole network for each area type. This computation takes into account utilisation factor,
overbooking factor and traffic demand. Capacity of a single eNB is calculated by capacity
evaluation exercise from ‘capacity evaluator sheet’. Equation 29 is used to evaluate the number
of eNB to cover each area. It is important to note that these calculations are made for each area
type separately.

Dimensioning exercise gives the number of sites needed from both coverage and capacity
dimensioning. Maximum of the two values is taken as the final site count. Site count for
different area types is then added to get the final figure for the whole area. Final output is
depicted in figure 6-7 on next page.

54
 Capacity
Site
Count

Throughput
per cell

Cell Radius
Final Site Count
Coverage
Site
Count

Figure 6-7: Dimensioning tool: Outputs

55
 7 Conclusion and Future Work

This chapter presents a summary of the thesis work. It gives a synopsis of work performed and
the final results. Possible future word and improvements are also discussed in this chapter.

7.1 Conclusion
To maintain its competitive edge in the world of mobile networks in the future, 3GPP has
initiated work on LTE. LTE is a packet optimized radio access technology with low latency and
large bandwidths. This thesis work is based on the dimensioning of LTE Networks. During the
course of this research work models and tools for LTE dimensioning have been developed.
Both coverage and capacity estimation is carried out. Radio link budget is investigated for
coverage planning and different factors affecting the RLB are looked into. Theoretical work is
later put into the development of an Excel-based dimensioning tool. Dimensioning tool is
designed to keep the interface simple and to set the functional parts clearly distinguishable. The
final product gives the number of sites (cells) needed in order to support a certain subscriber
population with a given capacity.

56
7.2 Future Work
Great effort has been made in order to make this work complete in all aspects. But as with all
the projects, there is always room for improvements and further enchantments. Same is the case
with this thesis work. There are number of ways in which this work can be carried forward. The
work done in this thesis covers the access network dimensioning of LTE network. This can be
extended to include interface dimensioning. Moreover, the unavailability of reliable LTE
network simulators is a big hurdle in full calibration of this tool. Using a more accurate
simulator will yield better results for capacity planning exercise. Currently, the simulation results
for only a limited antenna configurations and scenarios are available. These available scenarios
are used in the dimensioning tool (developed for this thesis work). If the results for other
antenna configurations and scenarios are obtained, this tool will become more comprehensive.
Dimensioning tool has been designed to accommodate these extensions.

57
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[2] Antti Toskala, Harri Holma, Esa Tiirola, Kari Pajukoski, #UTRAN Long Term
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[3] Dahlman, Parkvall, Skold and Beming, 3G Evolution: HSPA and LTE for Mobile
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[4] “3GPP webpage for LTE Overview,” 3rd Generation Partnership Project, viewed on
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[6] Bissell, C.C., “Spreadsheets in the teaching of information engineering,” IEEE
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60
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61